First minister will ‘do her best’ for us

SIR, – I was intrigued by two letters in Saturday's Press and Journal denouncing the SNP government's stance on the EU.

John McIntosh infers that trade with the UK, being significantly greater than that with EU countries, could be lost if independence was to come about. Surely he must realise that the quality of the Scottish product will ensure all existing trade will continue, regardless of whether we are part of the UK or not? Our first minister's endeavours to ensure our association with Europe continue could, in part, be driven by the massive subsidies given to Scotland, many of them being granted to the area in which Mr McIntosh resides. Would Westminster be so benevolent one wonders?

Andrew Coupar asserts, “Making partnerships work, rather than division, is the only route to peaceful, prosperous co-existence". I would say the first minister is well aware of that, shown by her endeavours to remain in a grouping that has benefited her nation well. It is far better to be an active member of a club, continually working to reform and improve same to the benefit of all, than to throw the dummy out of the pram and storm off in a huff which is what appeared to be the motive of Messrs Farage and Johnson, along with the right wing of the Tory Party.

I've no doubt that Nicola Sturgeon will do her best for the interests of our nation. That is what she is paid to do after all and has been entrusted by the voters to do so. Ron Campbell, Richmond

Walk, Aberdeen.

The energy industry is in the state it’s in because of Westminster. If people are going to be selective in their criticisms, at least they should be more critical of the worst – not the least